Clergy killed as bandits ravage Kaduna community

The United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), also known as HEKAN, has condemned the brutal killing of one of its clergies, Reverend Yahaya Kambasaya, and the abduction of some villagers in Farin Dutse, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, left […]

The United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), also known as HEKAN, has condemned the brutal killing of one of its clergies, Reverend Yahaya Kambasaya, and the abduction of some villagers in Farin Dutse, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, left the community in shock and deep mourning, according to a statement signed by Rev. Dr Amos G. Kiri, President of HEKAN.

“With a deep heart, on behalf of HEKAN Headquarters, I wish to inform the world of a tragic incident that occurred in Farin Dutse,” Rev. Kiri said. “Heavily armed bandits attacked the community and perpetrated evil on innocent residents.”

According to the statement, the attackers stormed the village, “shooting sporadically at helpless locals” and whisking away several residents, including HEKAN members.

The late Rev. Kambasaya, who had initially taken refuge in a nearby farm, was tragically gunned down after the shooting subsided.

The church leader confirmed that the slain pastor’s body has been deposited in a morgue while the family and church leadership consult on funeral arrangements.

The president also revealed that four other HEKAN members from Kakude Local Church Branch were kidnapped earlier on October 19, 2025, and remain in captivity.

The statement recalled a series of previous attacks targeting HEKAN congregations in the same area.

“It would be recalled that HEKAN Church in the same area was attacked on December 4, 2024, which led to the abduction of 50 persons, including our pastor, Reverend Francis Lawal,” Dr Kiri said. “Sadly, one of the kidnapped victims died in the hands of his captors, while others returned with various degrees of injury.”

Expressing frustration over the worsening insecurity, HEKAN called on security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to rescue those kidnapped and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The state’s Police command has not released a statement on the incident, as the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, couldn’t be reached on the phone for comment.